With a cubic capacity greater than that of some cars (1602cc) the Yamaha XV1600A’s massive, pushrod V-twin mill delivers an outrageous 134.3nm of torque at 2250rpm. It’s a sea of grunt that almost renders your gear shifter obsolete – pick a gear, any gear, roll on the throttle and feel Road Star’s trade mark, shoulder-yanking grunt. It’s what you get from 98 cubic inches of monster motorcycle powerplant – an artful merging of traditional cruiser design principles and up to the minute technology. Hydraulic valve lifters and smooth-riding belt drive meet high-tech cylinder plating and Mikuni carb with throttle position sensor, coasting enricher & accelerator pump. And believe us, when it’s attached to an XV1600, the term ‘accelerator’ pump is used advisedly! Road Star has the show to match the go. Gleaming bodywork and classic styled, deep-valanced fenders, making it a feast of feel and smooth flowing lines. The cockpit layout is relaxed and comfortable, with wide, backswept handlebars on rubber-mountings, and floating floorboards. Handling is stable, neutral and confidence-inspiring, thanks to a rigid, double cradle frame, beefy, brushed-steel fork and quality Bilstein shock, while powerful, triple disc brakes bring speeds down in a controlled and easy manner.

The RoadStar is a machine to embody the concept of excessive power, torque and stature, and bombard your every sense with the sheer joy of motorcycling.

Are you ready for the New 2004 Road Star? The Star Family’s bare-knuckled brawler has been working out hard and it shows – inside and out. Modern-day V-twin muscle meets legendary styling, making this more than just a motorcycle. It’s a rolling work of art.

At the heart of the improvements is the New 102 cubic-inch air-cooled, long-stroke, OHV 48° twin engine that pumps out huge amounts of torque barely off idle for brisk acceleration and fantastic overall cruising performance. Additional engine mods include redesigned valve system, camshafts, rocker arms, air induction system, cooling fins and beefed up clutch. Bottom line…more power and performance.

The brawny Road Star Silverado® (and its Road Star sibling) thundered onto the cruiser scene six years ago, taking it by storm with its sheer size, classic retro styling and heaps of torque.

But then, it’s hardly a mystery why this belt-driven mega-machine made such a huge impression. And now its home to a gigantic new 102 cubic-inch air-cooled, long-stroke, OHV 48° twin engine that pumps out huge amounts of torque barely off idle for brisk acceleration and fantastic overall cruising performance. Additional engine mods include redesigned valve system, camshafts, rocker arms, air induction system, cooling fins and beefed up clutch. Bottom line…more power and performance.

And when you’re wrapped in a swank casual touring package – large, adjustable windscreen, leather saddlebags, studded seats and backrest, whitewalls – as gorgeous as it is all-powerful, people just get plain ecstatic.

Tough guys have always worn black, and this beast with its new 102 cubic-inch air-cooled, long-stroke, OHV 48° is no different. Surrounded by lustrous onyx lacquer, this bike makes a statement wherever it goes.

And, with its beefy, chromed front end, sculpted steel fenders and all-new 16″ cast wheels, no other cruiser does it so elegantly.

Climb aboard this belt-driven V-twin, thumb the starter, open up the throttle. Feel the torque!

Manufacturer’s Sugg. Retail Price…$11,799*

Notes: In 2003 the 1602cc V-Twin increased in size to a 1670cc V-Twin.

MBG Says: (Rating 10/10) As long as we stay with Japanese models, the Road Star 1600 is easily our favorite cruiser, the reason being almost exclusively the really nice feeling of its engine. Its friendly handling, surprising level of comfort and absolutely impeccable finish are also worth mentioning. The Silverado is an interesting option since the price difference is more than reasonable considering the added equipment it buys.